SACE Stage 2 Politics, Power and People key terms

A connected set of beliefs about how society should be organised, covering the purpose of government, the distribution of wealth and the rights of individuals. It shapes how people interpret events and justify political action.

A tradition valuing individual freedom, limited government, equality before the law and consent of the governed. It splits into classical forms stressing free markets and modern forms accepting welfare provision and regulation.

A tradition emphasising order, tradition, established institutions, property and gradual change rather than radical reform. It often defends family, religion and inherited authority as sources of social stability.

A tradition holding that economic life should be subject to collective control or ownership to reduce inequality and class division. It ranges from democratic reform through the ballot box to revolutionary seizure of the state.

A reformist position accepting capitalism but using taxation, public services and union rights to soften inequality. It relies on elections and parliamentary institutions rather than revolution, and is common in Nordic countries.

A system where power is concentrated in a leader or small group, political opposition is restricted and rulers are not meaningfully accountable through elections. Control may be maintained by censorship, surveillance or force.

An extreme form of authoritarian rule seeking to control most areas of public and private life through a single party, official ideology, propaganda and terror. It aims at mobilising the whole population.

A political idea holding that a people sharing culture, language or history should form a distinct political community, usually a state. It can unify groups, drive independence movements or exclude minorities.

The general acceptance that a government has the right to rule and that its commands should be obeyed. It may rest on tradition, legal rules, performance or popular consent rather than force alone.

Recognised power to give binding commands, accepted by those subject to it. Unlike raw coercion, it rests on a belief that the person or body is entitled to decide.

Supreme legal authority within a defined territory, held by a state and exercised by its institutions. In democratic theory the people may be described as the ultimate source of that authority.

The principle that everyone, including governments, is subject to publicly known law applied equally and independently. It requires accessible statutes, impartial courts and limits on arbitrary official decisions.

The division of government into legislative, executive and judicial branches with distinct functions and checks on one another. The aim is to prevent any one group from holding unchecked control.

The branch of government that formulates policy and carries it out, including the prime minister or president, ministers and the public service. In parliamentary systems it is drawn from and answerable to the legislature.

The body that debates and passes laws, approves budgets, scrutinises the executive and represents citizens. Its power depends on party discipline, procedural rules and its relationship with the government of the day.

A parliament with two chambers, usually a lower house based on population and an upper house providing review or regional representation. The upper house may have weaker powers to delay or amend legislation.

The group of senior ministers who meet to set government policy and coordinate departments, led by a prime minister or president. Collective agreement and secrecy are often expected of its members.

The convention that the executive must retain the confidence of the lower house and answer to parliament for its actions. Ministers are accountable for decisions and must resign or call an election if they lose support.

A parliamentary model derived from British practice, combining a ceremonial head of state, a prime minister drawn from parliament, disciplined parties and conventions that constrain formal powers. Australia uses adapted versions at state and federal level.

A system where a hereditary monarch is head of state but exercises powers according to a constitution and on ministerial advice. Real political authority lies with elected institutions.

A division of power between a national government and regional governments, each with constitutionally protected responsibilities. Disputes over boundaries are settled by courts or referendums.

The arrangement under which judges decide cases free from direction by the executive, legislature or litigants, protected by secure tenure and salary. It underpins impartial review of government action.

A direct vote in which citizens decide a specific constitutional or policy question. It can settle entrenched disputes but may simplify complex issues and be influenced by campaign spending.

The capacity to influence decisions, agendas or beliefs, whether through formal office, resources, persuasion or pressure. It may be visible in voting or hidden in what never reaches the agenda.

Citizens taking action to influence public decisions, ranging from voting, joining parties and contacting representatives to protesting, campaigning and standing for office. Levels and forms vary by age, income and trust.

The proportion of eligible or enrolled voters who cast a ballot at an election. It is shaped by compulsory voting rules, registration systems, electoral competitiveness and levels of political trust.

A rule requiring eligible citizens to attend a polling place or face a penalty, as in Australia. Supporters cite legitimacy and reduced inequality in turnout; critics stress freedom of choice.

The sphere of voluntary associations, charities, unions, media and community groups operating between the state and the family. It can train citizens, deliver services and hold governments to account.

Organised efforts to influence legislators or officials on behalf of an interest group, company or cause. Transparency registers and disclosure rules aim to limit unequal access and hidden influence.

An organisation seeking to shape policy for its members or a cause without contesting elections itself. Examples include industry bodies, unions, professional associations and environmental campaigns.

A loose, sustained campaign by many people pursuing change or resisting it, often using protests, petitions, boycotts and media attention. Movements may work outside parties yet influence them.

Deliberate, public and non-violent breach of a law judged unjust, undertaken to persuade the community and accept legal consequences. It is defended as a last resort in a functioning democracy.

Basic protections for individuals against excessive state interference, such as freedom of speech, assembly, religion and fair trial. They are often guaranteed in bills of rights or implied by law.

The claim that a party winning an election has authority to carry out the policies it campaigned on. Its strength depends on the size of the win and the clarity of the promises made.

A state whose borders largely coincide with a community sharing identity, language or history. Few states are perfectly homogeneous, so minority claims and secession demands often arise.

The growing movement of goods, capital, people, information and ideas across borders, driven by trade rules, technology and transport. It spreads opportunity but can erode local industries and state policy autonomy.

A body created by agreement among states to coordinate policy or resolve disputes, such as the United Nations, World Trade Organization or European Union. Its authority depends on member consent.

A formal written agreement between states or international bodies that binds the parties under international law. In many countries ratification requires parliamentary approval and may affect domestic legislation.

Entitlements held by all people by virtue of being human, covering civil, political, economic and social claims. They are set out in international instruments and enforced unevenly through courts and political pressure.